I previously had a 2007 F250 Diesel. It had a tow haul mode for the transmission but I only used it once because it did not seem to make much difference and caused my gas mileage to stink. I might be wrong, but I think the tow haul mode would disable overdrive which is probably why my gas mileage stunk.I now have a 2015 F150 and did some towing today with and without the tow haul mode on. In my F150 it seems to make a bigger difference. When tow haul mode was off I felt like the transmission was shifting way too often. With tow haul mode turned on the transmission shifted less often and seemed to drive better. I guess I will just drive with the tow haul mode turned on but I was wondering what others do? Do you use it on your F150? Does it make the gas mileage a lot worse?

It supposedly changes the shift pattern.On 6.7L diesels it makes a major difference since it activates the exhaust brake.

If my trailer is hitched to the truck, a 2009 F150, the truck is in the Tow-Haul mode all the time. That's what it there for.

Yes on tow haul mode and the braking. Any time you tow, the tow haul mode should be on. As you experienced it allows the truck to work more efficiently, especially up and down grades.

Things have changed a lot since 2007. Tow/haul in my '03 Cummins Ram and '05 Hemi 2500HD Ram left a lot to be desired. Tow/haul in my 2010 F250 is what tow/haul should be. I use it any time we're hitched up.

I can only speak of the 2013 F150 and the T/H mode makes a big difference in towing... I can't say the MPG's change at all, but it drives and handles much better with it engaged..For one thing, it attempts to keep the trans from unlocking the torque converter, which causes higher trans fluid temps.. It'll hold a lower gear "locked" longer before shifting up if you need the higher rpms to keep the TC locked.Low rpms does not automatically equal higher mpgs... Trans life has a bit to do with things too and lugging any engine is not getting the best mpg's anyway, so why do it?Going down hill with T/H engaged will downshift the trans if you hit the brakes too.. Yes, your rpms will rise, but you will get some additional engine braking too.. You might not know to downshift, but the computer does when you are in T/H.But, at the end of the day, it's up to you when you engage it or not.. I don't just keep it engaged 100% of the time I'm towing.. There are times where it's not necessary, especially going down hill, but I judge that on my own..Good luck!Mitch

Ford Tow Haul Mode - Do you use it? | Good Sam Community

mabynack
Explorer II
Aug 17, 2015
I have a 2005 F-250 and use Tow Haul a lot. I use it whenever I tow and when I'm in stop and go traffic to save wear and tear on the brakes.
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Aug 17, 2015
On my 09 F-250 6.8L/4.10 rear I used T/H all the time imitially but I have modified my use to higher tarffic driving for the increased braking it provides rather than longer shift patterns it activates. My set up never really lacks for power in the flat lands of Florida and T/H seemed to want to stay in too low a gear and wind up too much when it was unnecessary. If I go somewhere that involves climbing I would use it all the time.
ReneeG
Explorer
Aug 17, 2015
stickdog wrote:
Mountains don't scare me, I have tow/haul!!

Love it! We used to be before we got our diesel with tow/haul mode. We are now fearless, but respectful.
Desert_Captain
Explorer III
Aug 17, 2015
deltabravo wrote:
Desert Captain wrote:
...Get a Scan Gauge and start monitoring your trans fluid temps.

Scan Gauge is useful, but they are old skool.

Get an Edge Insight CS2 or CTS2. Much more advanced

Get whatever you like that gives accurate info but there is nothing "old school" about the scan gauge. All of the displays take their info from the ECM.

:C
mbopp
Explorer
Aug 17, 2015
Any time I'm towing Tow / Haul is engaged. The grade braking feature is nice but on occasion I'll manually downshift to the next lower gear.
Mr_Biggles
Explorer
Aug 17, 2015
I always use tow/haul when our TT is hooked up.
lawnspecialties
Explorer
Aug 17, 2015
I have a landscaping business. My trailer with mowers is only about 4000-5000 lbs. but I still use tow/haul mode when pulling them.

The only time I might not is with a load under 1000 lbs. or so. Its just so convenient; especially under braking.
Rangerman40
Explorer
Aug 17, 2015
I use tow/haul mode with my camper, but not my boat. It seems to help quite a bit.
deltabravo
Nomad
Aug 17, 2015
Desert Captain wrote:
...Get a Scan Gauge and start monitoring your trans fluid temps.

Scan Gauge is useful, but they are old skool.

Get an Edge Insight CS2 or CTS2. Much more advanced
stickdog
Explorer
Aug 17, 2015
Mountains don't scare me, I have tow/haul!!

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Ford Tow Haul Mode - Do you use it?

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